“The RSPCA’s annual euthanasia statistics may appear high, but at closer glance the figures are quite telling,” he said.

“Of the 4862 dogs euthanised by RSPCA NSW last financial year, 62 per cent were put down due to behavioural reasons; nearly 35 per cent were humanely euthanised due to disease and other medical conditions.

“It would be unethical and socially irresponsible to re-home many of the animals that come through our doors.

“Even still, the RSPCA continues to improve, invest and innovate in order to increase re-homing and reduce euthanasia statistics.”

One of those animals killed last financial year was the mascot of the Justice4Max group – a German short-haired pointer named Max.

He was impounded by the Rutherford shelter and euthanised after failing the RSPCA’s behavioural test – an act which was surrounded by controversy as Mr Atwell said he was a “typical normal family dog” whose owner had been trying to reclaim him at the time.

One of Max’s foster carers from Dog Rescue Newcastle will speak at the vigil, along with Mr Atwell and Anne Greenway from Lawyers for Companion Animals.

UNACCEPTABLE: Society of Companion Animal Rescuers vice president David Atwell says the group will stage a rally called the Justice4Max Vigil at Morpeth Common only metres from where the RSPCA NSW will host its popular Million Paws Walk.